EXCLUSIVE: French remake of The Sweeney, starring Jean Reno, is currently shooting in Paris.
Paris-based sales company SND has been rounding up sales for The Squad starring Jean Reno, the French remake of the UK’s cult detective tale.
Following its launch at Toronto, the picture has sold to Japan (Klockworx), Germany (SquareOne Entertainment), Spain (Second Gen Picture), the Czech Republic (AQS) and Freeman Distribution has acquired the film for Poland, Romania, Hungary and the ex-Yugoslavia.
Principal photography began in Paris on October 27 and will continue until mid-December.
Reno plays the lead role of Buren – a tough, old-time Paris detective who is not scared to break rules to solve a case – with support from Caterina Murino, Alban Lenoir and Thierry Neuvic.
The Squad is produced by SND, the production, distribution and sales arm of French broadcaster M6, French Capture [The Flag] Films and the UK’s Vertigo Films.
As well as handling world sales, SND will distribute the film in France. Vertigo has taken UK rights for the title due for delivery at the end of 2015.
The remake is being directed by Benjamin Rocher, whose previous films include The Horde and Goal of the Dead, both of which have proven hits with genre fans in France and abroad.
The film is a remake of British director Nick Love’s 2012 feature The Sweeney, starring Ray Winstone as London detective Jack Regan, which in turn was inspired by the iconic 1970s police series starring John Thaw in the lead role.
